CHECK IT OUT!

We've had a fantastic start to the school year, and it's been wonderful seeing our Bengals filling the library with excitement for books and reading! As we settle into our routines, September brings even more opportunities to discover new books, participate in library activities, and build a love of reading.

This month's newsletter is packed with reading recommendations, library updates, and resources for students and families. Be sure to check out our Realistic Fiction and Hispanic Heritage Month book recommendations and trailers, learn about this month's library contest, and explore ways to help your child find their next great read. You'll also find important library information and a few sneak peeks at exciting events coming later this fall.

Thank you for your continued support of our library program. I look forward to another great month of reading with our Bengals!

Karen Piedra
Briscoe Middle School Librarian
📧 karen.piedra@nisd.net
📞 (210) 398-1133

Looking for a story that feels like it could really happen? This month, we're featuring realistic fiction—books filled with relatable characters, everyday challenges, meaningful friendships, family dynamics, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you enjoy heartfelt stories, laugh-out-loud moments, or characters overcoming obstacles, there's a realistic fiction book waiting for you. Check out this month's recommended titles and book trailers to find your next great read!

The Battle of the Books tournament, which will be held on March 24, 2027, is a competition among Northside ISD middle schools to determine which team best knows 20 selected award-winning books. The list includes ten novels from the Lone Star list and ten graphic novels from the Maverick list. Each school sends one team of four students to compete in a three-round tournament by identifying the books that match up with the questions provided. If we have more than one team of students, we will have a Briscoe MS Battle of the Books to determine which team will advance to the district competition in March! Students are invited to attend an informational session October 6 from 8:00-8:25am in the library to learn more!

CELEBRATING HISPANIC AMERICANS, THEIR CULTURE, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED STATES

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

Library of Congress. (n.d). About Hispanic heritage month. NationalHispanicHeritageMonth.org. Retrieved from http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

HHM RESOURCES

Time for Kids-videos and printables

Books in our Library by Hispanic Authors (search the library catalog for more titles!)

Looking for a novel to read? Browse the fiction section and take a look at the genre labels on the spine or search the library catalog by topic to narrow down your selection. The fiction section is organized by the first three letters of the author's last name. See Mrs. Piedra, your librarian, for assistance and happy reading!

Check out this year's Texas Lone Star reading list! These 20 books have been selected by public and school librarians for students in grades 6-8. Check them out in our library!

Be sure to check out your Library course tile in Schoology! Inside you will find links to all of our monthly promotions & contests, book talks and trailers, as well as information about digital resources, password, and research help!

Click here to access the secondary digital resources.

Many of our digital resources will require a password when used from home. Click here to access the list of passwords - make sure you are logged into your NISD portal first!